Media Mogul’s Bail Conditions Varied, Allowing Interstate Travel
Melbourne Magistrates Court has varied the bail conditions for media mogul Antony Catalano, 59, permitting him to travel interstate. This significant adjustment allows the co-owner of Australian Community Media (ACM) to return to his home in Byron Bay, a move that was unopposed by the prosecution. The hearing, which Catalano attended via video link from his Victorian residence, marks a development two months after he was formally charged in relation to an alleged incident involving his wife, Stefanie.
The charges stem from an alleged assault at a St Kilda property in the early hours of March 13. Catalano is accused of intentionally choking, strangling, or suffocating his wife. Further allegations include unlawfully imprisoning his wife and detaining her against her will. In total, Catalano faces eight criminal charges, encompassing offences such as recklessly causing injury, making threats to kill, and assault.
During Tuesday’s brief court session, Catalano’s lawyer, Tony Hargreaves, requested an adjournment to July, indicating that the case was still in its preliminary stages and had yet to reach a resolution. Mr. Hargreaves specifically sought the variation of his client’s bail conditions to enable interstate travel. He explained to the court that this change would permit Catalano to travel to Byron Bay, where he owns property.
Magistrate Stephen Lee acceded to the request, amending Catalano’s bail to permit interstate travel before adjourning the criminal proceedings to July 1. Catalano himself spoke only to confirm his ability to hear the proceedings and his understanding of the revised bail conditions. His bail has been extended pending his next court appearance.
Background and Previous Court Proceedings
This development follows previous requests for Catalano to be excused from appearing in court in person, a measure attributed to significant media scrutiny surrounding the case. Earlier, on May 11, Mr. Hargreaves informed the court that Catalano had successfully completed a 28-day stint in rehabilitation. At that time, the defence lawyer conveyed that his client expressed “deep remorse and sorrow” for his actions on March 13.
Australian Community Media, a prominent entity in Australia’s regional and rural digital media landscape, boasts a portfolio of well-known publications, including The Canberra Times and The Newcastle Herald. Catalano acquired this extensive network of media assets in 2019 from Nine Entertainment for a sum of $115 million.
Catalano’s career in the media industry is extensive. He previously spent 26 years with Fairfax Media and served as the chief executive of Domain for four years. During his tenure at Domain, he steered the property classifieds operation through its significant spin-off from Fairfax in 2017, establishing it as a separately listed business.
In the wake of the allegations, ACM general manager Tony Kendall confirmed in March that Catalano was placed on an immediate leave of absence. This suspension from his duties was stipulated to continue until the conclusion of the court case.
